Like other carpets produced in India at this time, the design of this carpet has a distinctly cross-cultural feel, combining both Indian and European influences. It was often the case that the design of Indian carpets was devised with the European market in mind and it may even be that this is a unique pattern specifically for Winton. Whilst the border is a stylised and simplified version of 17th century Mughal patterns, the ‘elephants’ foot’ rosette design of the field is more unusual. It is at once reminiscent of motifs in Indian architecture, but also of Turkoman ‘guls’ and at the same time similar to the allover designs found on English needlepoint carpets of the period, but without the floral embellishments. There is also a theory that the design reflects the impressive plasterwork ceiling of the Drawing Room at Winton.
Having been produced in the 1850s, there was dramatic moment early in the carpet’s existence, when it was temporarily ‘lost’ during the Indian Rebellion of 1857-58 and Lord and Lady Ruthven travelled to India in the aftermath to track it down. It was eventually rediscovered and continued its journey towards its final destination at Winton Castle, where it has graced the Drawing Room floor for around 165 years.
Over a century and a half since it was installed, the family have now decided to take the opportunity to commission new carpets for the Drawing Room at Winton and therefore to offer this magnificent piece to a new home.
Sir Francis Ogilvy, current custodian of Winton Castle commented "the carpet is being sold with something of a heavy heart having been treasured by family and by visitors from around the world for generations. The intention is to offer it a graceful retirement from active duty in what is now a busy hospitality venue as much as a home. There is plenty life in the old girl so it is hoped that the pleasure it has given will continue for the new owners as it gave to the family who have cherished it for the past 170 years."
Discover more about the history of Winton Castle here